IKKS names Ludovic Manzon as CEO

IKKS has appointed its new CEO. Former CEO Pierre-André Cauche left the business at the beginning of the year to take the helm at Bonpoint after having spent close to 22 years at IKKS, leading the French business to have to look for a new head.

The French group, which includes the brands IKKS, One Step, and I.Code, and is owned by US funds Avenue Capital, Carval Investors, and Marathon Asset Management, has now been entrusted to Ludovic Manzon.

Ludovic Manzon - Sloggi

The executive has experience working for Nike (1992- 2004) both in Paris and at the brand’s European headquarters in Amsterdam. Manzon then joined Puma where he worked as the German business’ general manager for Europe, then for Japan, then finally for the Asia-Pacific region (2004- 2016).

Manzon had worked as the head of Sloggi since 2016 in the role of CEO of the lingerie brand and also sat on the board of directors for the Triumph International group.

Manzon spearheaded a winning transformation within Sloggi during his time at the French brand covering its communications strategy, offerings, and successful development of underwire-free lingerie. The executive also developed a network of Sloggi stores where the brand had previously only worked with distributors. Manzon also strengthened the brand’s exports. Manzon’s expertise on growing brands internationally will certainly be an asset as he works to develop IKKS group.

An IKKS store - OG-FNW

IKKS group affirmed the appointment and shared its “desire to grow internationally and consolidate the positioning of its brands in the accessible premium section of the fashion industry.” The business reported a turnover of €349 million ($381.9 million) for its 2019 financial year and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation of €34 million.